Category: Focus

Hundreds of people gathered at Northcote Baptist Church on Saturday 6 September for the opening of their new hall.

Kaumatua John Marsden welcomed on the guests that included MP Jonathan Coleman, representatives from the Kaipatiki Local Board, many other local organisations and loads of families from the community.

After the powhiri guests were treated to a fabulous array of Chinese, Tongan, Korean and “kiwi” food, before enjoying the afternoon’s activities that included bouncy castles, face painting, games and toys supplied by the Kaipatiki Community Facilities Trust.

Craft displays and several chess games showcased the recently established CASP, or Community After School Programmes which runs at the church every weekday afternoon.

People attend the dedication of the new Northcote Baptist Church hall.

Streamers and songs flowed as the Chinese and English congregations of NorthcoteBaptist Church marched together into their new hall for the first time on Sunday (25 August 2014) for the dedication ceremony.

Replacing the old wooden “Youth Hall” that dated back to the 1950’s, the new facility features state-of-the-art sound absorption and two large living spaces.

The new Northcote Baptist Church hall.

Youngsters Eva Gilchrist and Toby Gibbes joined with a former pastor, David Kimpton, in offering moving prayers of thanks and dedication for the building, which will be used primarily for youth and community-focused activities.

Northcote Baptist has strong links to a number of local groups through its community ministries which include The Shed (furniture for needy families), Craft, Youth and Preschool groups.

Congregation members get their first glimpse of the new hall.

A recent innovation is the Chinese-initiated “CASP” – kids after-school programmes, which are already bursting at the seams. The community will have an opportunity to experience the fun for themselves on their Community Open Day, 6 September, where Jonathan Coleman is a guest at the powhiri and official Opening Ceremony.

Northcote Baptist Church celebrated its 50th Anniversary in August 2013 and celebrated God’s faithfulness to us over those years by getting underway with building a new facility that will replace the current Youth Hall.

The Youth Hall has served the church well, but is badly in need of repair. To better meet the needs of a church servicing a diverse and growing congregation, this new building will allow combine functions between English speaking and Mandarin speaking congregations, as well as receptions for large funerals and weddings.

The area provides a sunny convivial space for fellowship after Sunday services and a relaxed meeting place for the many ministries during the week. Importantly, the complex will be robust enough to continue the tradition of being home to one of the best Youth Groups around. Continue reading